Roma Riaz, who represented Pakistan at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand this year, has beautifully and confidently addressed the criticism she faced regarding her skin color.

In a powerful video shared on her official Instagram account, Roma proudly stated, “My skin color is the same as the color of Pakistan’s soil.”

She went on to emphasize that the women with skin like hers are the ones who built families, homes, and carried this nation in their hearts. “Every Pakistani woman who has ever been told that she is too dark, too bold, or too different is also the face of Pakistan,” Roma declared.

In her video, Roma also openly spoke about colorism in society, saying, “We were taught that fair skin is beauty and to forget our roots, but I represent a new generation that rejects narrow definitions of beauty imposed on South Asian women.”

Roma, with pride, stated, “I am Pakistani, in my roots, my values, and every shade of my skin. Beauty cannot be confined to one color or physical feature. It is about identity and the feeling of being.”

Concluding her message, Roma shared a note in Urdu for her critics, saying, “I always proudly say in every interview that our people are our biggest identity. We need to improve ourselves because global representation holds no value if we cannot love our own people.”

Her strong and empowering words serve as a reminder that beauty is diverse and transcends color, and it’s an inspiring message for women everywhere to embrace their true selves.